In 2017, the Caribbean nation of Dominica needed to think of some way to recover from Hurricane Maria which devastated the whole of the country, and do so in a manner that could protect them from future storm damage of the like.
Now, thousands of storm-proof homes have been built for locals who had lost everything. They sit in elegant and not-too-crowded developments in the hills, paid for by enthusiastic foreigners who were willing to pay for near-instant citizenship to the island.
The need was great. Tropical Storm Erika eliminated 90% of the country’s productive capacity, while the damage from the following Hurricane Maria resulted in total damages of 226% of the country’s GDP.
Instead of rushing to the IMF for a bailout that would plunge the relatively prosperous Caribbean nation into debt, the government created the Integrated Housing Development plan which was funded by the Citizenship by Investment program.
Established in 1993, the Dominica Economic Citizenship Program legally offers individuals and families worldwide irrevocable second citizenship and passports in only four to six months with no visit to the country required. It requires that prospective residents make a large investment into a government fund, or purchase real estate on the island.
“Dominica is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean with perfectly unspoiled nature,” reads the Citizenship by Investment program. “Americans are retiring to the country in record numbers, drawn to the island’s natural beauty and peaceful way of life.”
It’s not a boast, and soon the money from the program was completing housing units all over the country.
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Resettlement for displaced families started in December 2018, reports Caribbean News Now, at the Bellevue Chopin Housing Development; consisting of 350 residential units, a 28-unit commercial complex, a community center, medical facilities, and sports areas.
These sorts of developments have been popping up all over the island, and over 2,000 housing units have been built in 23 different districts. All utilities are underground, and the buildings have reinforced concrete walls, storm drains, protected sewage, and stormproof window panes.
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“The units are granted, not sold nor rented, and are awarded to beneficiaries through a selection system based on dire and social needs, with particular consideration for single mothers,” reports Caribbean News Now.
WATCH drone footage of the housing developments below…
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